For much of the year, getting into a New Brunswick home means dealing with snow, ice, freezing rain and darkness. The entrance deserves as much attention as the inside of the house.
Look at the Whole Route From the Car to the Door
Don’t only look at the front step. Walk the same path someone uses when getting out of the car.
- Is the surface level?
- Where does water collect and freeze?
- Is there somewhere secure to hold onto?
- Is the path well lit?
- Does snow pile up in the walking route?
- Is the doorway threshold difficult to cross?
Sometimes the hardest part of getting home is the twenty feet before you reach the door.
Improve Lighting Before Winter
Outdoor lighting should make it easy to see the walkway, stairs and any changes in level. Motion-activated lighting can help without requiring someone to find a switch in the dark.
Think About Handrails and Landing Space
Secure railings can make exterior stairs easier to use. It’s also helpful to have enough level space near the door to stand comfortably while unlocking it, carrying groceries or waiting for someone to open the door.
Plan Beyond Snow Removal
Shovelling and salting are important, but they don’t fix a poorly designed entrance. If an entrance is difficult every winter, it may be worth looking at the underlying layout rather than repeating the same temporary fixes year after year.